The 2022 Browns season ended with a thud yesterday. No surprise, the team has been fighting an uphill battle since Deshaun Watson’s eleven game suspension was announced. I know there are two more games left and Cleveland could keep the Steelers out of the playoffs with a win in the final game, but no playoffs this year. I’ll still watch and cheer for the team to win because I’m a Browns fan. I’m not going to litigate the Mayfield versus Watson debate. The front office, coaches and the owners made their decision knowing the consequences. My problem is, someone in the room had to know it would be more than six games. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wanted a full year, so you knew after the initial six game suspension, he would appeal. I also know the rationalization of signing Watson was not only for 2022 but future years as well. It gives the phrase “wait till next year” a whole new meaning.
So, what happens next. I still believe head coach Kevin Stefanski will not be fired. I believe defensive coordinator Joe Woods will be fired. I’m on the fence about special teams coach Mike Priefer, it’s probably 50/50 he won’t be fired. The only way Stefanski is gone is if he’s told to fire coordinators and he refuses. As for the front office, GM Andrew Berry will be back as will Chief Strategy Officer Paul DePodesta. A lot of Browns fans have zeroed in on DePodesta to assign blame for the season. They blame analytics. Analytics were around when Paul Browns was the coach, except back then it was called research. This off-season will be the front office’s toughest. They have to make this team competitive in 2023 and keep it competitive through the life of Watson’s contract, 2026. The front office started by resigning right tackle Jack Conklin. I haven’t seen the details yet, but it looks like a two-year deal for $31 million per year, with two years of club options. $15 million a year is the going rate for an NFL starting right tackle.
Andrew Berry has a lot of work to do to improve the team, starting with the defensive. Young free agents have to be signed to the defensive line, especially defensive tackle. I think the Clowney experiment is over, so an edge rusher to help take the heat off of Myles Garrett must be found. Clowney’s absence was very noticeable yesterday. They’ll need to add a run stopping linebacker, or possibly resign Anthony Walker, Sione Takitaki, Deion Jones or Reggie Ragland, who had a very good game yesterday. Safety help is also needed, both at starter and backup. Decisions have to be made on Grant Delpit and John Johnson, III. On offense, a backup to Watson needs to be signed. Jacoby Brissett will be offered more money and a starters job by another team. QB Teddy Bridgewater is a name to keep an eye on.
Next up is Washington on New Year’s Day. Hopefully the players will give be motivated to play and Browns fans can start the new year off with a win. Stay safe and Go Browns.